The Joint Legislative Council (USBA, USSA, UASBO) is opposed to vouchers, education savings accounts, and any type of program that diverts public funds from public schools. We strongly urge legislators to halt expansion of the Utah Fits All program and mandate both academic and financial accountability. The program was created during the 2023 Legislative Session with the passage of HB215: Funding for Teacher Salaries and Optional Education Opportunities. $82M has been diverted from the Income Tax Fund (formerly known as the Education Fund) to provide $8,000 vouchers to home school and private school students.
In 2007, over 62% of Utah voters voted against vouchers.
Vouchers divert public dollars from public schools. 90% of Utah students are in public schools. These schools are accountable to parents, communities, and the taxpayers who fund them.
Private schools are allowed to discriminate. Private schools choose who they accept. Public schools are charged with accepting ALL students, no matter their race, religion, income, disability status, sexual orientation or gender identity. We suggest that any private schools accepting a UFA voucher should be required to comply with all non-discrimination policies, health and safety standards, and financial reporting requirements established by the state of Utah.
Many rural communities have limited access to private schools, which means residents’ tax dollars would go to pay for private schools in other parts of Utah.
Vouchers do not improve student outcomes, and the UFA program only requires a student portfolio to be submitted to the program manager for review. There is no way to determine if students are learning. Several states require students, who receive voucher funds, to participate in state-mandated tests in order to track academic progress.
Parents are using UFA funds to pay for – karate, tumbling, trampoline, horseback riding, cooking classes, dance lessons, etc. Why is money provided for these experiences for UFA students and not all students? We urge Utah to require annual audits of all ESA accounts.
Comparison of expectations -
Requirement | Public Schools | Voucher Recipients (Private Schools/Home Schools/Micro Schools) |
Answer to an elected board of public officials | Yes | No |
Follow public records and open meetings laws | Yes | No |
Make finances and budgets public | Yes | No |
Undergo academic and financial audits | Yes | No |
Mandate that teachers be qualified | Yes | No |
Ensure teachers have passed a background check | Yes | No |
Administer and make public the results of academic assessments | Yes | No |
Utah Fits All should not be expanded.